Mariners ace Felix Hernandez holds the longest active streak of Opening Day starts with nine, and the longest streak of all time belongs to Jack Morris, who started 14 straight for the Tigers (1980-90), Twins (1991) and Blue Jays (1992-93). Robin Roberts has the longest streak of Opening Day starts with one team, making 12 in a row for the Phillies from 1950-61.

"I'm right where I should be," Kershaw said. "I've thrown a few bullpens, have one tomorrow the first day, I'm ready to go."

Kershaw, 29, has been selected to the NL All-Star team in each of the past seven seasons and finished no lower than fifth in the voting for the NL Cy Young Award over that span.

Kershaw went 18-4 with a 2.31 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 175 innings across 27 starts in 2017 for Los Angeles. He is 144-64 with a 2.36 ERA in 292 career games (290 starts) throughout his 10-year Major League career.

Roberts said Kershaw, like many of his teammates, will have a gentle start to Spring Training as management wants to reduce workload because of the long postseason and short offseason.

Kershaw said it was "disappointing" the Dodgers were outbid for free agent Yu Darvish, his winter throwing partner in Dallas.

"I enjoy throwing with Yu; obviously I think he's a very special talent," Kershaw said of the righty who signed with the Cubs. "Wish he had gone to the American League. We'll just have to beat him, I guess."